The UAE-IX, powered by DE-CIX, has been upgraded to offer 400 Gigabit Ethernet (400 GE) connectivity, reinforcing its position as the largest and most advanced Internet Exchange in the Middle East. This upgrade, announced by datamena, a carrier-neutral data center and connectivity platform from du, and DE-CIX, a global leader in Internet Exchange operations, is designed to support the growing digital needs of the region.

In the past year, the connected customer capacity on the UAE-IX increased by two terabits, marking a 30% growth. The exchange now boasts over six terabits of total connected capacity and nearly 110 participating networks, which include Internet service providers, carriers, cloud platforms, content providers, and global enterprises. This positions the UAE-IX as a crucial hub for digital infrastructure in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

Karim Benkirane, Chief Commercial Officer at du, expressed pride in partnering with DE-CIX to boost digital growth in the Middle East. He emphasized the vision of creating a seamlessly interconnected environment where both businesses and consumers can take advantage of enhanced Internet exchange capabilities, improved performance, and robust security.

The UAE-IX not only serves as a leading peering exchange but also offers advanced enterprise-grade interconnection services, such as cloud exchanges and application connectivity, including the Microsoft Azure Peering Service (MAPS).

Ivo Ivanov, CEO of DE-CIX, noted that the UAE-IX stands as a global Internet hub that connects network operators, content providers, applications, and cloud services to deliver resilient and low-latency connectivity across the GCC. He highlighted that this upgrade will meet the rising demand for digital services and improve the region’s network interconnection.

DE-CIX has been operational in the Middle East for over a decade, with Internet Exchange services in countries including Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Turkey, and the UAE. The UAE-IX operates under the DE-CIX as a Service (DaaS) model, providing partners with comprehensive solutions like setup, maintenance, and marketing support.

This significant upgrade is expected to empower regional businesses, foster technological advancements, and address the increasing demand for high-performance digital connectivity, paving the way for ongoing innovation and growth in the Middle East.